Languages

Should Seoul’s most iconic gate Gwanghwamun bear Korean or Chinese sign, or both?

This picture taken on March 16, 2026 shows visitors wearing traditional hanbok dresses taking a selfie in front Gwanghwamun Gate, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, in Seoul. The world's biggest boy band is set for a comeback concert on March 21, after a nearly four-year hiatus for the septet to do military service -- and while the nation went through traumatic times. (Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP) / TO GO WITH AFP STORY, SKorea-entertainment-music-BTS-politics, FOCUS by Claire LEE

Forum: Promote opportunities to learn Malay

Tamil Language Festival marks 20 years with push for greater engagement

Dancers from Rameshwara Dance Group performing a Mayilattam, or peacock dance, at the launch of Tamil Language Festival 2026 on March 29.

Apa khabar, Malay? I’m picking up a language from my childhood

By learning Malay, the writer is discovering new ways of seeing the world and finding fresh meanings in familiar road names.

ST More than Grades

S’porean teen learnt to speak more than 10 languages, with help from Harry Potter

Ms Loy Xing-Yi says learning new languages is a chance for her to get to know a new community and speak a new language.

More pre-schools offer Chinese, Malay and Tamil lessons as interest grows in teaching mother tongue

As part of the Malay Language and Literacy module, Ms Dinah, together with her classmates delivered individual presentations for an assignment that required them to write and design their own Malay children’s storybooks. CREDIT: PHOTO: DINAH SYAQILAH

BTO, wayang, jialat among new Singlish additions to Oxford English Dictionary

The word BTO often comes up “when discussing a couple’s relationship status", said the publisher of Oxford English Dictionaries.

Commentary

Lights, camera, election: Tamil Nadu’s politics-showbiz mix has me hooked

A poster in Chennai, India, featuring Chief Minister of Indian state of Tamil Nadu, M K Stalin (centre) and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.

China passes new ethnic minority law, prioritises use of Mandarin language

It is due to be passed at the closing session of the annual meeting of the National People’s Congress, China’s legislature.

Japanese language schools lag behind despite rise in foreigners living in Japan

A foreign student gives a speech in Japanese at New World International Academy in Nagoya on Feb 18..

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.